M+C Saatchi promotes creative director

London-based creative agency M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment has promoted Conall McAteer to the newly created role of UK executive creative director as it strengthens its leadership team.

Conall, who joined from We Are Social in 2024, will oversee the agency’s UK creative output, supporting existing clients, new business development and collaboration with international teams.

He has previously led creative work for adidas across football, Originals, running and hybrid training, alongside contributing to the agency’s global Betway account win and development of its Clubhouse creative platform.

Conall said: “I’ve always thought creatives should be playmakers. 

“In sport, the best teams don’t just need people who can execute; they need people who can see the opportunity and make something happen. 

“Creativity is no different. 

“I want to help us build an agency that thinks differently, brings new perspectives into our industry and makes work that pushes the boundaries of sport, culture and lifestyle. 

“I’m excited to take that ambition even further as ECD.”

Conall’s promotion comes alongside three new creative appointments, with Solomon Bednall-Greaves joining from Dept, Hattie Abbott arriving from Bulletproof and Amy Ibukunoluwa Lewis bringing three years’ experience as a freelance creative and director.

Their appointments form part of the agency’s investment in developing its creative capabilities across sport, entertainment and culture.

They follow further senior leadership changes, including Laura Coller’s appointment as global chief operating officer, alongside her continuing role as UK chief executive, and Ross Watson'’ promotion to managing director of Sport UK.

Laura added: “Conall has made a huge impact on the agency since joining, both through the quality of his work and the creative culture he has built around him. 

“Conall combines genuine cultural instinct with a clear understanding of what makes brands matter to people and has an infectious ambition for the work.

“His promotion recognises the impact he has already made as well as the important role he will play in driving the agency’s continued creative growth and ambition.”

Ross added: “Conall has a brilliant ability to combine a deep understanding of sport and culture with big creative ambition. 

“He knows what resonates with fans, what works for brands and, importantly, how to turn that into work that gets talked about. 

“He’s already had a huge impact on our creative output and his promotion to ECD is an exciting step in where we are taking the agency creatively.”

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